Shelter Worker

URGENTLY HIRING

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Emergency Overnight Shelter

REPORTS TO: Team Leader/Executive Director

PURPOSE:  Alliston Out of the Cold (AOTC) provides safe, respectful, and welcoming overnight accommodation, meals and supports to those experiencing or at-risk of experiencing homelessness and/or food insecurity in New Tecumseth and the surrounding areas. We are committed to facilitating connection to further services, resources, and community.

We believe that homelessness and/or food insecurity is a crisis that a person is experiencing; and that this experience does not define a person.  Our goal is to provide services in which individuals experiencing poverty feel safe, supported, and welcome.

The AOTC Emergency Overnight Shelter (EOS) Program offers overnight shelter to individuals and couples experiencing homelessness during the winter months. As a short-term, housing-focused shelter, the program is intended to bridge the gap between entering into homelessness and moving into safe and sustainable housing.  Staff and volunteers work collaboratively to serve adults and youth (16+). The EOS program is available for up to 8 guests per night, 7 days a week. Our focus is on provision of shelter while providing resources for community-building. Our aim is to support guests in feeling that they belong to and are engaged in the community.

We are currently seeking someone to assist in the seamless functioning of the shelter throughout the night.  Shelter Workers will work 3-4 12-hour shift, from 9PM-9AM, on a rotating basis.  Successful candidates will be placed on an alternating schedule to cover shifts throughout the duration of the week.

Please note: This is a TEMPORARY, FULLTIME contract position, working exclusively NIGHT SHIFT.

 RESPONSIBILITIES:

 Oversee shelter operations, particularly during the overnight hours.

• Model and encourage expectations of health & safety protocols.
• Supervise volunteers onsite and utilize on-call supervisor/manager supports as necessary.
• Uphold AOTC Policy and Procedures.
• Hold guests accountable to the AOTC Guest Expectations
• Enforce quiet hours and outdoor access.
• Interact with guests and assist with guest needs.
• Observe guests regularly and monitor those identified as ‘high risk’ for signs of mental distress, overdose, conflict, etc.
• Assist in meal-time activities and ensure proper food safety protocols.
• Complete tasks required for daily closing of program.

 Appropriate and thorough communication.

• Keep clear and concise records of important or relevant guest interactions and shelter happenings on designated daily reporting documentation.
• Communicate clearly with volunteers when on shift, and during shift exchanges.
• Utilize the support and supervision of the Team Leader and Executive Director, as necessary.

Participate in maintaining housing-focused atmosphere.

• Act in a supportive role in housing-focused objectives of the program.
• Complete housing-related tasks as assigned by Intake staff and supervisor.
• Engage with guests in passive housing-focused conversations throughout regular shift.

 Carry out daily cleaning routine and protocols 

• Perform regular cleaning and laundry duties.
• Ensure appropriate use of PPE and cleaning products, following MSDS information, etc.

 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY:  All employees are responsible for carrying out work in a way that does not adversely affect their own health and safety and that of others. All employees are expected to learn, understand, and adhere to health and safety policies and procedures and keep up to date on any changes, particularly as it relates to new/emerging information related to COVID-19 safety measures.

COVID-19 considerations:

AOTC has strict health and safety protocols, including active screening and appropriate use of PPE during shift.  All employees are expected to learn, understand, and adhere to the specific measures implemented in compliance with the recommendations of the local public health authority.

• Remote interview process
• Personal protective equipment provided and required
• Temperature screenings
• Social distancing guidelines in place
• Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place

 SCHEDULE/WORKING CONDITIONS:  Full-time, contract, starting as soon as possible. Includes combination of weekend and weekday shifts in rotation.

Working within an emergency shelter can often be a tense and unpredictable environment, where consistency and confidence are vital.  Successful candidates will be entrusted to ensure that policies and procedures are followed and that the expectations of both the guests and staff/volunteers are met.

 Alliston Out of the Cold is a progressive work environment committed to the principle of employment equity, to respecting diversity and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and organizational needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ideal for RSW, RSSW, CYW (registered or in process) and anyone with relevant experience working in shelter settings.
• This position is also suitable for individuals from Mental Health and Additions, Corrections and/or Police Foundations backgrounds/programs.
• Minimum 1-year college diploma in a human services program and/or related education with specialized training in mental illness/addictions and their related issues preferred. (Willing to consider individuals in progress of obtaining the same).
• A combination of the above and other relevant experience, including lived experience of homelessness.
• Experience working with homeless and/or marginalized individuals preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work with challenging behaviour and stressful situations.
• Knowledge of current social issues related to homelessness, mental illness and substance use preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as an effective team member.
• Effective personal boundary setting skills with both clients and co-workers.
• Demonstrated problem solving and multi-tasking skills.
• Ability to effectively intervene with conflict and crisis.
• Able and willing to work overnight.
• NVCI and Level C First Aid and CPR, including working knowledge of AED an asset.
• Recent Vulnerable Sector Screening (Police Check) required.